Baton Rouge -- LSU Coach Les Miles suggested Wednesday that the Tigers could be without left tackle Alex Hurst on Saturday against No. 3 South Carolina because of personal reasons.

"Alex had kind of a nick and some issues that are personal to him and has missed some time," Miles said at his weekly Wednesday post-practice media session. "We don't expect that he will miss the back end of the week."

When asked if Hurst's issues might result in him leaving the team, Miles said, "I think those are some things we need to work out. I think (he's) fully part of the team. (We) expect him to play based on things that have not been worked out yet."

Miles did not elaborate further. Hurst, a senior and a starter for the third consecutive year, moved from his right tackle spot to left tackle for the past two games and struggled at times in LSU's 14-6 loss to Florida. LSU allowed four sacks and the offense gained only 200 yards. Hurst attended Monday's media session and answered questions from several reporters.

The loss of Hurst would be yet another big blow to the Tigers problems with the offensive line. Left tackle Chris Faulk was lost for the season with a knee injury in practice after the first game and right guard Josh Williford is questionable for Saturday's game because of a head injury suffered against Florida.

That all comes with the Tigers facing the SEC's No. 3 defense Saturday. Hurst would likely be matched up with South Carolina defensive end Javedon Clowney, reagrded as one of the top defensive players in the nation and second in the SEC with 6.5 sacks.

If Hurst doesn't play, Miles said likely senior Josh Dworaczyk would return to left tackle where he started and played against Washington.